Football Fans Asked To ‘Take A Minute, Change A Life’

Derbyshire County Council are joining the NHS, local charities and organisations in supporting World Suicide Prevention Day which is on 10 September 2017.

This year the theme is ‘Take a minute, change a life’.

The effects of suicide are devastating and can have an enduring impact on friends, family and colleagues.

It is for this reason that professionals, community groups, volunteers and individuals are working together to reduce the risks of suicide.

As part of the suicide prevention work in Derbyshire there will be events at two football matches held in Chesterfield and Derby this month.

Representatives from the Samaritans, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Mental Health Forum and other mental health organisations will be raising awareness about suicide prevention.

There will be activities to engage fans as well as information and support to those who may need it.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said:

“We live in very challenging times and we know that the reasons why someone may choose to take their own life can be extremely complex.

“We can all help to make a difference to someone who may be suffering emotional distress. There are several things that we can do if someone confides that they are feeling suicidal.

“Stay calm, listen, take them seriously and encourage them to speak to a health professional.”

The World Suicide Prevention Day football matches will be held on the following dates:

Saturday 2 September 2017

Chesterfield v Coventry City
Kick-off is at 3pm
Chesterfield Football Club, Proact Stadium, Whittington Moor

Friday 8 September 2017

Derby County v Hull City
Kick-off is at 7.45pm
Derby County Football Club, Pride Park Stadium, Derby

Dr Allan Johnston, Consultant Psychiatrist at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said:

“We are really pleased that Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and other local organisations are coming together this year for World Suicide Prevention Day and encouraging people to speak up if they are feeling down.

“The statistics around suicide are pretty stark: someone dies as a result of suicide every 90 minutes. That’s why it’s so important that we all take a minute to check in with our friends and ask, “Are you OK?”

“Men are three times more likely to take their own life than women, so it’s especially appropriate that we reach out to men in our community for this annual event. This year we are joining together to talk to football fans in both Chesterfield and Derby.

“We want to encourage as many people as possible to get help if they are struggling, and to urge their friends and loved ones to do the same.”

If you, or someone you know, are feeling suicidal, there are several things that you can do:

• speak to a friend, family member or someone you trust
• call the Samaritans 24-hour support service on 116 123
• go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department and tell the staff how you are feeling
• contact NHS 111
• make an urgent appointment to see your GP.

The DCC are delivering the World Suicide Prevention Day matches in partnership with:

• Derby County Football Club
• Chesterfield Football Club and the Spireites Trust
• the Samaritans
• Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
• Derbyshire Mental Health Forum
• Derby City Council
• support from other local organisations.